I'm in need of a used SUV, with a budget of $10k or less. I am in the middle of co-founding a startup and don't have much time to devote to the whole researching, finding, test-driving, etc. process. Really just want to be pointed to a solid vehicle and be told "buy that one".

I have an older family friend who is known to be good with purchasing cars, as she will research and purchase cars for her uncle, who is an antique car collector. She also has helped other friends purchase cards in the past.

I'd like to approach her about paying her to take on most of this process for me, save perhaps going out, test-driving, and actually buying the car.

That said, I'm not sure what a fair rate might be. Again looking for a used, purely practical SUV for outdoor recreation and travel purposes for less than $10k.

Should I charge a flat fee of like $250-$500? An hourly rate? What seems fair to you?